Bedwas RFC 28 Beddau RFC 13.
WRU Admiral Championship East, Saturday 21st December 2024.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
Bedwas end the year in pole position in the League table following a strong second half to see off previously unbeaten Beddau in a hard-fought battle.
The overnight rain cleared around 2pm allowing the game to be played with a strong wind from the Caerphilly end of the ground, although the playing surface was heavy in parts.
This game marked the one hundredth appearance of Lewis Bowden and the fiftieth appearance of Lloyd Wilkins, congratulations and thank you both for your efforts.
Beddau had first use of the wind and were first on the scoreboard after only three minutes elapsed. A Beddau penalty was kicked to touch and from the ensuing line out and catch and drive move saw hooker Ethan Coombes last off the turf to claim a try. Full back Cody Baker’s kick out wide drifted past the uprights.
Beddau increased their lead after sixteen minutes, this time Baker successfully dissecting the uprights from a penalty goal after Bedwas were penalised for a high tackle.
Both sides were reduced to fourteen men just after the halfway mark of the half as Bedwas’ Harry Oliver and Ethan Coombes were yellow carded for a fracas off the ball.
Bedwas tried to get back into the game and despite Beddau conceding four penalties close to their try line during a period of sustained Bedwas pressure no points were added.
When Beddau did manage to get away from their try line an incisive break looked like to have put Beddau further ahead, but the ball was knocked on over the try line.
Beddau had a further opportunity to improve their lead as half time approached but again Baker’s penalty kick went wide.
Bedwas started off the second half strongly and within five minutes of the restart had reduced arrears as dominance in the scrum saw a Beddau transgression on their try line and the referee awarded Bedwas a penalty try.
Beddau regained the lead less than five minutes later with Coombes grabbing his second try from a driving maul. Baker missed the ensuing conversion.
With the strong wind of the first half abating Bedwas continued to attack and a penalty to touch saw the line out won and quick movement of the ball across the line put Tristan Kugler in for a try converted by Lloyd Wilkins. Crucially this was the first time Bedwas were ahead in the contest, and it proved to be an important impetus in what was to come.
Bedwas improved their advantage after twenty-two minutes again from a line out and fast hands putting Tristan Kugler in space to cross for his second try on the day. Lloyd Wilkins added the extras for his two hundredth point of the season. Huge congratulations to him on this achievement.
The game, however, was not yet ‘in the bag’ as Beddau refused to lie down. Bedwas supporters’ anxiety were not helped by a yellow card for Alex Meeson as Beddau attacked but no further scores were added.
Bedwas finally put the game to bed with the final play of the game as Kugler notched his third try of the day to claim his first senior hat-trick. Lloyd Wilkins added the extras with the last kick of the game to spark big celebration from the Bedwas players and supporters alike.
This was another victory based on a strong team performance, credit where credit is due to our players and coaches who have developed a cohesive bond as we enter the New Year in a strong position to challenge for silverware at the end of the season.
The Bedwas man of the match award sponsored by Casa Mia Restaurant of Caerphilly was awarded to Tristan Kugler.
Bedwas RFC would like to thank Richards CNC Engineering Ltd for their generosity in sponsoring this match. We hope you had an enjoyable afternoon.
Rugby now takes a break for the Festive Season, when games resume Bedwas will host Penallta on Saturday 4th January 2025 in what promises to be another tough battle.
Match images can be found at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bedwasrfc/albums
